Waiver News, 200th post

Although the Non-Waiver Trading Deadline is over, it doesn't mean trades can't be made.

You can read the rules of the the Waiver Trading Deadline here. It's a very difficult and tricky topic to tackle, but basically if a player is put on waivers and is passed by all 30 Major League Baseball teams, he can be traded to another team. The Waiver Deadline is August 31.

And although we're just four days into August, we've had a few moves.

- The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed RHP Chan Ho Park, 37, off of waivers from the New York Yankees today. Park, who was designated for assignment by New York on July 31 after the Yanks acquired RHP Kerry Wood from the Cleveland Indians, has struggled this season, posting a 5.60 ERA in 35.1 innings. His biggest problem this season has been his knack to give up the homer, which he's done seven times thus far, after giving up none last season for the Philadelphia Phillies. He's scheduled to hit free agency after this season.

Pittsburgh also claimed RHP Chris Resop from the Atlanta Braves. Resop, 27, had a 2.09 ERA, 10.0 K/9, and 3.5 BB/9 at Triple-AAA this year. He'll join the newly acquired Park in the pen.

- An American League team has placed a waiver claim on Boston Red Sox's closer, RHP Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon has struggled mightily this season, posting a 2.98 ERA and 7.7 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9, the lowest rates of his career. The ERA is also his career-high. He's got 25 saves, which is respectful, but he hasn't been "Papelbon-esque." The 29 year-old righty hasn't exactly struck fear in the thoughts of opposing batters this year. It's unlikely that Boston would trade their closer. In that case, he'll be pulled off waivers by the Red Sox.

Pap's teammate, 3B/1B Mike Lowell was also placed on waivers, but no claims yet.

- The Phillies acquired 1B/DH Mike Sweeney from the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named later/cash due to the recent injury of 1B Ryan Howard. Howard was placed on the 15-day DL yesterday after spraining his ankle. Sweeney will likely rotate at first base and be on the bench once Howard returns. Sweeney, 37, spent most of his career as the captain of the Kansas City Royals but injuries have taken a toll on his career. He has hit a respectable .263/.327/.475 with 6 home runs and 18 RBIs in 30 games before hitting the DL with back spasms. He was activated today and then traded. Sweeney makes just $650K before becoming a free agent.


On a side note: This was my 200th post! :D

The countdown to 300 begins....